Fez Friday, Cyprus Shrine, Albany

Dec 24, 2021 | Uncategorized

FUN & FELLOWSHIP

Fez Friday, Cyprus Shrine

All Shriners are Masons

Greetings my Brothers!

This is Eric Morabito, “The Walking Man,” checking back in on Fez Friday.

Cyprus Shrine

The idea of forming a new Shrine Temple (as originally called) in Albany, NY was the brainchild of Imperial Sir Walter M. Fleming (first Imperial Potentate of the Shrine of North America 1876–1886). There were only four Temples chartered at the time — Mecca #1 in New York City, Damascus #2 in Webster, NY, Mount Sinai #3 in Montpelier, VT, and Al Koran #4 in Broadview Heights, OH.

In 1875, Imperial Sir Fleming selected some prominent members of Mecca Temple #1 in New York City to establish subordinate Temples. Among those appointed were John S. Dickerman, Townsend Fondey, and Robert Waterman, who resided in Albany, New York. In January 1877, Townsend Fondey organized a Shrine Temple at Masonic Temple in Albany, NY. Although no name was assigned, a dispensation was granted and certificates of membership issued to members as Nobles-at-Large, bearing the date January 22, 1877. Cyprus Temple #5 was formally organized on February 1, 1877, at New York National Guard, Ninth Brigade Headquarters, 92 State Street, Albany, NY. On April 26, 1930, The Ceremonial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt was included in the class of candidates. He modestly listed his occupation as “lawyer” on his petition but was in actuality the Governor of New York State (soon to become the 32nd President of United States). Noble Roosevelt continued to be a member in good standing until the time of his death in 1945. In 1990 the Shrine Center moved From Albany to Glenmont, NY and there are currently about 450 members. The Cyprus Shrine supports the Shriners hospitals located in Springfield, Boston, and Philadelphia. When I Walked the Sands and became a Noble of the Cyprus Shrine in 2010, Ill. Ben Froggett (2001) asked the new members this question, “Why did you want to become a Shriner?” to which we all answered, “To help the children.”. I have heard this question asked many times since then and the answer has always been the same. I would like to add a second part to this question, “How will you help the children?”. I have taken my daily walking routine and turned it into a means to raise awareness about the Shriners and to raise a little money for the hospitals. I encourage everyone to find something that they can do on a regular basis that will benefit others. Imagine how much better off our world would be if everyone were to do this. I can assure you that you will also reap the benefits of this. I know that the little that I do has added immeasurably to my life.

Bro. Eric Morabito “The Walking Man” Junior Deacon, Adonai Lodge #718 in Highland, New York Noble, Cyprus Shrine in Glenmont, New York

On This Date In Masonic History – MW Prince Hall

Dec 10, 2021 | Masonic History

TODAY IN MASONIC HISTORY

The Death of MWB Prince Hall

December 4, 1807

On December 4, 1807, Most Worshipful Brother Prince Hall, the first African American known to have received the Masonic degrees in America, died.

A tribute monument was erected in Copp’s Hill (North End of Boston, Massachusetts) on June 24, 1835, in his name next to his grave marker. The inscription reads: “Here lies ye body of Prince Hall, first Grand Master of the colored Grand Lodge in Mass. Died Dec. 7, 1807.” According to biographer David Gray, newspaper accounts showed that Hall died on December 4 and was buried three days later. His wife, Sylvia (Zilpha) Ward Hall, was the executrix of his estate, which amounted to $47.22, and there was no realty.

Prince Hall’s Gravesite
Coop’s Hill
North End of Boston, MA

Prince Hall Portrait
Anderson Gallery – BSU

Prince Hall’s Gravestone
*Note: The headstone should read December 4, but it actually lists the interment date

Researched and written by the Brothers of the Craftsmen Online Editorial Staff

Content is property of Craftsmen Online and cannot be used, copied, or quoted in any manner without the express, written permission of Craftsmen Online.

Fez Friday, Mecca Shrine, New York

Dec 3, 2021 | Uncategorized

FUN & FELLOWSHIP

Fez Friday, Mecca Shrine

All Shriners are Masons

Greetings my Brothers!

This is Eric Morabito, “The Walking Man,” checking back in on Fez Friday. Let’s continue our tour where it all began, with the Mecca Shrine!

Mecca Shrine

Mecca was founded by a group of Masons in NYC that wanted to also be part of a fraternity that stressed fun and fellowship. Led by Brothers Walter Fleming, William Florence, Charles T. McClenahan, William Sleigh Paterson, and Albert L. Rawson, the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (A.A.O.N.M.S) [now Shriners International] was begun. The first meeting took place on September 26, 1872, and consisted of 13 members. By 1878, the membership had started to grow and there were 425 Shriners in 13 Temples. In 1888 there were a total of 7210 Shriners in 48 Temples. Today, there are over 200,000 Shriners and almost 200 Temples around the world!

My history with the Shriners has a similar path as that of the fraternity. In 2004 I was inspecting the meters at a local gas station (I work for Weights & Measures). I found that, on average, the meters were giving away 1.4 cents for every gallon sold. When I told the attendant, her reaction was “It’s only a penny.” That “penny” added up to about $56,000 a year. I decided to use this as a lesson for my son’s Cub Scout Den and teach them that, individually, small things may not have much value but collectively, they can often reach amazing amounts. I began this with eight boys in the den and then brought it to my older son’s Boy Scout Troop. We decided to hold a “Penny Drive.” Word got out and other Scout units joined in. Before long it became a Council-wide event. When all was said and done, a total of $2,246.09 (43 gallons of pennies) were collected which we donated to the Cyprus Shrine (I wanted this to be a children helping children event). Because of an error of a little over a penny, we were able to raise over $2000.

It is often said that “From humble beginnings come great things.” Shriners International was started because a small group of people had an idea and they followed through with it. That is what I have tried to do over the years with my annual Walk and I encourage you to do the same. Find something that you find interesting and will benefit others and give it a try. You may not be successful but that doesn’t mean you should quit. You may make a difference in other people’s lives and you will make one in yours.

Bro. Eric Morabito “The Walking Man” Junior Deacon, Adonai Lodge #718 in Highland, New York Noble, Cyprus Shrine in Glenmont, New York

Fez Friday, Melha Shrine of Springfield, MA

Nov 19, 2021 | Uncategorized

FUN & FELLOWSHIP

Fez Friday, Melha Shrine

All Shriners are Masons

Greetings my Brothers!

This is Eric Morabito, “The Walking Man,” checking back in on Fez Friday. Over the past few years, I have started a collection of Shriner fezzes. I currently have fezzes from 43 different Shrine Centers and I am always looking for more. There are over 200 Shrine Centers worldwide and I try to visit as many as I can when I travel. To date, I have been to 65 Shrine Centers, 12 Shriner hospitals, and the Shriners International HQ in Tampa. When I retire, I plan is to donate my collection to the Cyprus Shrine Center.

Melha Shrine

Let’s begin this series with the Melha Shrine of Springfield, MA. Melha #78 was chartered on June 14, 1898. There are a little over 900 members who are active in a wide variety of Clubs and Units within the Shrine. Melha supports the Shriners Hospitals located in Springfield and Boston. They recently relocated and the new Shrine Center is in Agawam, MA.

Melha has had a special place with me since I did my first Walk. I contacted the Springfield Hospital before I set out and asked if I could get a tour of the facility when I arrived. They in turn contacted members of Melha to set this up. When I reached Springfield, after walking over 180 miles and camping out along the way, I was met by Nobles Frank Watson and Charlie Gervickas who escorted me the final half-mile (uphill, of course). When I reached the hospital I was greeted by applause from 25 members of Melha. They also had me as a guest of honor at the Shrine Circus which happened to be taking place that weekend. Since that time, members of Melha have greeted me each year when I arrive and they have shown me the true meaning of our Masonic Values of Friendship and Brotherly Love.

Bro. Eric Morabito “The Walking Man” Junior Deacon, Adonai Lodge #718 in Highland, New York Noble, Cyprus Shrine in Glenmont, New York

Fez Friday, Welcome

Nov 8, 2021 | Uncategorized

FUN & FELLOWSHIP

Fez Friday, Welcome!

All Shriners are Masons

Greetings my Brothers,

Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Eric Morabito and I am a member of Adonai Lodge #718 in Highland, NY. I was initiated in October of 2009 and was raised in January of 2010. My reason for joining our great fraternity was to become a Shriner. I had no idea the impact that being a member of our Brotherhood would have on me and am grateful that I made this important decision.

Since joining, I have held several positions in my Lodge and am currently the Junior Deacon. I am also the Assitant Chaplain for the Cyprus Shrine in Glenmont, NY. I have been asked to contribute pieces to The Craftsman Online about the Shriners. This honor came about because of the efforts I have made over the years to support the Shriners and the fundraising that I have conducted.

In 2007, I was showing signs of an impending heart attack and I decided that I would do something to prevent this from happening. I lost my dad when I was 4 years old and I didn’t want that to happen to my wife and kids. I started walking regularly and before long my health showed great improvement. I have been walking every day since March 15, 2009, and have logged over 35,000 miles so far. My Lodge Brothers dubbed me “The Walking Man” and I wear it with pride. In 2014, I decided to try to walk from my Lodge to the Cyprus Shrine and then the Shriners Hospital in Springfield, MA. This was supposed to be a one-and-done event but my walks have turned out to be an annual event.

I have completed eight walks over the past 11 years, three times to Springfield and five times to Boston. In total, my walks have covered 1,736 miles and have raised almost $68,000 for Shriner Hospitals. I have met many wonderful people along the way and have been taught the true value of our fraternity.

On top (no pun intended) of my passion to raise funds for children and families in need, I also enjoy collecting Shriner Fezzes. The Fez is the most recognizable symbol of the Shrine. The red hat with a black tassel and embroidered Shriner symbol and Shrine name is an item that I wear proudly as a Shriner. Over the years and thanks to my travels, I have collected several Fezzes as gifts from Brothers and Shriners. I’m looking forward to sharing my collection and the stories behind the Fezzes in the coming days!

I hope that you find the articles I submit to be informative and entertaining.

Bro. Eric Morabito “The Walking Man” Junior Deacon, Adonai Lodge #718 in Highland, New York Noble, Cyprus Shrine in Glenmont, New York